COP16 Outcomes – a step forward for biodiversity and multilateralism

The outcomes of COP16, held across Cali, Colombia, and Rome, Italy, mark a significant milestone for global biodiversity policy and multilateral cooperation.

Read our statement on outcomes below.

The creation of the Cali Fund introduced a landmark system for redistributing benefits from Digital Sequence Information (DSI), addressing historic injustices faced by countries of origin, especially in the Global South. A new Program of Work under Article 8(j) and the establishment of a Permanent Subsidiary Body affirmed Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as integral actors in global biodiversity governance. Technical and scientific cooperation was also strengthened, with the designation of 18 regional centres to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). A long-awaited breakthrough was achieved with renewed momentum to identify Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), alongside recognition of the critical links between climate, ocean, and biodiversity.

These achievements were made possible in no small part due to the energy and leadership of the COP16 Presidency, driven by Susannah Muhamed, whose inclusive approach helped bridge divergent views and priorities. The final negotiations in Rome brought key financial agreements, including a proposed pathway to a permanent biodiversity financing mechanism and commitments to mobilise $200 billion annually by 2030. Brazil’s compromise proposal on behalf of BRICS countries helped unlock previously stalled discussions on financing.

With growing urgency around global biodiversity tipping points, COP16 not only delivered for biodiversity—it revitalised multilateralism itself, showcasing the global community’s determination to work together to solve shared crises. The Global Greens celebrate this progress and stress the need for continued momentum to ensure commitments lead to transformative action.